Kids to Parks Day: Find your local park on May 19

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Kids to Parks Day is a national initiative that began in 2011 and is organized by National Park Trust “to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands," like Glacier National Park. Frank Lee Ruggles

“[We] realize the importance of getting children of all ages outside, not only for the health and wellness of our children, but also of our parks and public lands,” explained National Park Trust Executive Director Grace Lee. “Sometimes, the best ideas are simple ideas.” Courtesy of National Park Trust

In its first year, National Park Trust “was delighted” that about 18,000 people participated in Kids to Parks Day; this year, it’s estimated that more than 1 million people throughout the USA will take part. Courtesy of National Park Trust

“It’s a national invitation for everyone to come out and enjoy a local park, and keep enjoying and exploring,” said Grace of Kids to Parks Day, the tagline for which is Kids Need Parks and Parks Need Kids. Courtesy of National Park Trust

The National Park Service has been involved with Kids to Parks Day since its inception and shares the mission of “introducing children to the outdoors and help them form (hopefully) lifelong bonds to the outdoors,” said Kathy Kupper, spokesperson with the National Park Service. Courtesy of Frank Lee Ruggles

“National Parks are closer than people think; there’s at least one National Park in every state,” explains Kupper. “It doesn’t have to be a week-long trip – you can spend an hour, an afternoon, or a long weekend and have quality experiences.” Frank Lee Ruggles

The ambassadors “embody the mission of NPT by promoting the importance of preserving our national parks and public lands, and engaging children of all ages with these iconic and special places.” Courtesy of National Park Trust

“Our role is to get kids and adults connected to the outdoors,” said Tigran of his work as a Buddy Bison Student Ambassador. “This is important because kids will be taking over our National Parks, and everything else. We want to get kids involved to take care of our parks so they’ll be around for their kids. Vahagn Nahabedian

“Children need the outdoors – they need to breathe in nature and they need fresh air,” encourages ambassador Sarah. “They need to really realize that nature is an actual thing and not just on the TV, phone, iPad, or whatever. It’s out there – go explore it.” Frank Lee Ruggles

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

“It’s a national invitation for everyone to come out and enjoy a local park, and keep enjoying and exploring,” said Grace of Kids to Parks Day, the tagline for which is Kids Need Parks and Parks Need Kids.(Photo: Courtesy of National Park Trust)

“You just kind of get to relax in a way and you don’t really have to worry about anything in the world. Now, I’m a kid so I normally don’t have to worry about that stuff. But for everyone else, it’s a way to get out and not worry about anything, and wonder, ‘how did nature do that?’”

Kids to Parks Day is a national initiative that began in 2011 and is organized by National Park Trust “to connect kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands.”

“[We] realize the importance of getting children of all ages outside, not only for the health and wellness of our children, but also of our parks and public lands,” explained National Park Trust Executive Director Grace Lee. “Sometimes, the best ideas are simple ideas.”

In its first year, National Park Trust “was delighted” that about 18,000 people participated in Kids to Parks Day; this year, it’s estimated that more than 1 million people throughout the USA will take part.

“It’s a national invitation for everyone to come out and enjoy a local park, and keep enjoying and exploring,” said Lee of Kids to Parks Day, the tagline for which is Kids Need Parks and Parks Need Kids.

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From its rocky coastline to the top of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park in Maine will take your breath away. Day or night, the sights and sounds of the park give visitors memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Famous for sunrise, the park is also a terrific place to enjoy the night sky. March is the start of the Milky Way season in the Northern Hemisphere -- when the brightest part of the Milky Way’s core is visible. Photo of the Milky Way from Little Hunters Beach. Joshua Snow, www.sharetheexperience.org

Rhododendrons begin blooming along the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway in June. This medium sized shrub grows along exposed ridgelines in the rolling mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, putting on gorgeous displays of pink and purple. J. Smilanic, www.sharetheexperience.org

These cute baby bighorn sheep put the baaahhh in Badlands National Park. On the rugged and colorful South Dakota landscape, bighorn sheep thrive as they scamper over steep rock formations and bound through the grasslands. April through June is the best time to see lambs playing in the park. Larry McAfee, National Park Service

Wildflowers carpet the mountainside at Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in California. Berryessa Snow Mountain has a wealth of natural, historical and cultural resources. It’s the perfect place for hiking, whitewater rafting, boating, traveling the rugged terrain in an all-terrain vehicle -- or taking in an epic view! Anthony Southwood, www.sharetheexperience.org

This is so cute! With grasslands, forests, tidal salt marshes and freshwater ponds, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware provides excellent habitat for a terrific variety of animals. Some live here year round while others stop by as they make their way along the Atlantic Flyway. This time of year, visitors can see eagles, hawks, ducks, geese and litters of cute baby foxes, like these two red fox kits. Jennifer Cross, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama supports 64 rare and imperiled plant and animal species -- 13 of which are found nowhere else in the world. It’s home to largest known stand of Cahaba lilies, a beautiful plant that begins to bloom around Mother’s Day. It’s always a magnificent display. Keith Bozeman, www.sharetheexperience.org

Let’s welcome spring with a blanket of wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. Only a few hours from Los Angeles, Carrizo Plain offers visitors a chance to be alone with nature. Prominent features of the monument include the white alkali flats of Soda Lake, vast open grasslands and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. When conditions are right, numerous wildflowers can carpet the valley floor, creating a beautiful, but temporary landscape of color. Curtis Kautzer, www.sharetheexperience.org

Blooming over the Tidal Basin like a gorgeous cloud, the cherry blossoms welcome over 1.5 million people to the National Mall and Memorial Parks during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Over 3,800 trees color America’s front yard with shades of white and pink. Walking among the blossoms and touring the memorials in Washington, D.C., is an experience you’ll want to repeat. Andrew Rhodes, www.sharetheexperience.org

Be prepared for sunrise splendor at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. It’s a thrill watching the sun paint the sky from the park’s Pinnacle Overlook. Here you have views of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. On clear days, you can even see the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina -- a sight that’s 100 miles away! Volunteer Harold Jerrell, National Park Service

Sea turtles are often sighted around Dry Tortugas National Park. Originally named Las Tortugas (Spanish for The Turtles) by Ponce de Leon in 1513, this collection of small sand and coral islands is famous for the abundance of sea turtles that annually nest in the area. Five species of sea turtle are found in the waters of south Florida, and spring is nesting season for the turtles. Kara Wall, www.sharetheexperience.org

Wildflowers carpet the hillside at Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The 23,000-acre area is truly an oasis in the desert with four perennial waterways that are the lifeline for this remarkable place. The Gila River canyon section, known as the Gila Box, is composed of patchy mesquite woodlands, mature cottonwoods, sandy beaches and grand buff-colored cliffs. Bonita Creek -- popular for birdwatching, hiking and picnicking -- is lined with large cottonwoods, sycamores and willows. Cliff dwellings, historic homesteads, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds make this year-round watery Arizona spot worth the drive. Bureau of Land Management - Arizona

Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California has it -- the hardest part is deciding what to see first. You can explore the ruins of Sutro Baths and nearby Sutro Heights Gardens, fish at Fort Point, bike along the waterfront and across the Golden Gate Bridge, watch the sunset over the ocean at the Cliff House or just enjoy the spectacular views of the Golden Gate at one of the many overlooks. Alan Schacter, National Park Service

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park -- with an estimated 1,500 bears living in the park. Bear cubs are usually born in the winter and emerge from their dens in late March or early April. Bears can run 30 miles per hour, can swim very well and are good tree climbers like this baby bear pictured here. Bears can live 12-15 years or more, but animals that have access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half. Do your part by using the park’s bear-proof dumpsters and disposing of all garbage properly. Sidney Cromer, www.sharetheexperience.org

Owens Peak Wilderness in California includes the rugged eastern face of the Sierra Nevada. The mountainous terrain has deep, winding and expansive canyons -- many containing springs with extensive riparian vegetation. Vegetation varies considerably with a creosote desert scrub community on the bajadas, scattered yuccas, cacti, cottonwood and oak trees in the canyons and valleys and a juniper-pinyon woodland with sagebrush on the upper elevations. In the spring, the wildflowers are pretty great too. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Small shorebirds with sand-colored plumage, piping plovers flock to beaches along the east coast, Great Lakes and northern great plains to nest from mid-March through mid-May. Piping plover populations are on the rise, thanks to the work of many partners. But with fewer than 4,000 on the Atlantic coast, each one makes a difference. Photo of a family of piping plover at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Maine. Kaiti Titherington, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

It’s the best time of year! The first baby bison of spring was recently spotted at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. Calves are orange-red in color, earning them the nickname “red dogs.” They can walk within 3 hours of birth, and before long, nursery groups of calves will romp around together, never far from their mothers’ watchful eyes. Rich Keen, DPRA

One of the most widespread owl species, the great-horned owl is known for its tufted ears, which are used to camouflage the bird with its surrounding. You’ll have to look closely to see the tired mamma as the two owlets peek over the nest’s top. Photo from Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Charles Jenkins, www.sharetheexperience.org

With many different species of seals living along the world’s coasts, these animals display an amazing variety of size and behavior. However, they all have something in common: really cute pups. Mostly born during the spring and summer months, seal pups are completely helpless and require a great deal of attention and protection from their mothers. This photo of a seal pup was taken at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, which extends out from the Oregon coast into the Pacific Ocean. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals. Bureau of Land Management

American martens are common at some public lands across the Rockies and upper Great Lakes like Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. Part of the weasel family, martens can grow up to two feet long and live in old forests. Despite being adorable, they are mostly solitary creatures. This cute face is another reason we’re looking forward to spring. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

A gorgeous early spring morning shot of Yosemite National Park in California. Pictured here is part of the Yosemite Valley, which is home to many of the park's famous cliffs and waterfalls. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Douglas Croft, www.sharetheexperience.org

The National Park Service has been involved with Kids to Parks Day since its inception and shares the mission of “introducing children to the outdoors and help them form (hopefully) lifelong bonds to the outdoors,” said Kathy Kupper, spokesperson with the National Park Service.

“More studies are showing just how important is it have that unstructured time outside,” said Kupper. “The sooner we can introduce young people to the outdoors, the better.”

Kupper adds that more than 400 National Parks are found throughout the USA., and that many have special events scheduled for Kids to Parks Days. And for those that don’t, their regularly-scheduled programs and Junior Ranger programs are hands-on and kid-friendly, so make a good fit for the day, too.

“National Parks are closer than people think; there’s at least one National Park in every state,” explains Kupper. “It doesn’t have to be a week-long trip – you can spend an hour, an afternoon, or a long weekend and have quality experiences.” (Find Your Park will help you locate the nearest one.)

An integral part of Kids to Parks Day is the Buddy Bison Student Ambassador program, created in 2015 “to promote the vision and mission of National Park Trust.” (Now) 13-year-old Tigran Nahabedian of Ojai, Calif., became the first Buddy Bison Student Ambassador in 2015, and in addition to Sarah (2016), is joined by 10-year-old Audrey Elliott of Nebo, N.C., (2017) and 11-year-old Bryan Wilson (2018) of Navajo Nation, Ariz. The ambassadors “embody the mission of NPT by promoting the importance of preserving our national parks and public lands, and engaging children of all ages with these iconic and special places.”

“Our role is to get kids and adults connected to the outdoors,” said Tigran of his work as a Buddy Bison Student Ambassador. “This is important because kids will be taking over our National Parks, and everything else. We want to get kids involved to take care of our parks so they’ll be around for their kids.

“We all have a connection to our National Parks," added Tigran. "They are the crown jewels of our country, and without them our country would not be as great as it is right now. I’m really glad to be a part of it [Buddy Bison Student Ambassador program] – it allows me to connect to kids and learn about the National Parks.”

To date, more than 500 Kids to Parks Day events have been planned in local, regional, state and National Parks throughout the USA. for 2018, with more being added daily (find events near you). In addition, 385 mayors in towns and cities have proclaimed the third Saturday in May as Kids to Parks Day.

Buddy Bison Student Ambassador Tigran will spend Kids to Parks Day volunteering with the Science Explorers Club at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, which includes talking about the area’s wildlife and history. In Vineland, N.J., Buddy Bison Student Ambassador Sarah is organizing a Kids to Parks Day on May 20 that will include arts, science, a clean-up, raffles and more.

“Children need the outdoors – they need to breathe in nature and they need fresh air,” encourages Sarah. “They need to really realize that nature is an actual thing and not just on the TV, phone, iPad, or whatever.

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20. Yosemite National Park - 4,336,890: First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park in California is best known for its waterfalls. Within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more. One of the “crown jewels” of the National Park Service, Yosemite is a bucket list destination for any nature lover, attracting more than 4 million visits last year. Phillip Espinasse (www.sharetheexperience.org

19. Rocky Mountain National Park - 4,437,215: Gorgeous in every season, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado encompasses 415 square miles of spectacular mountain landscapes. Visitors can drive Trail Ridge Road for epic views, watch majestic wildlife or hike to some of the most picturesque places in the country. If this amazing photo of a moose and a rainbow doesn’t make you want to go there, then nothing will. Ron Hazeloop, www.sharetheexperience.org

18. Statue of Liberty National Monument - 4,441,988: "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and designated as a national monument in 1924. Standing proudly in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has inspired generations of patriots and immigrants. Last year, almost 4.5 million people visited Lady Liberty. National Park Service

17. San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park - 4,493,519: Located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. It’s no wonder it was one of the most visited parks in 2017. A fleet of historic vessels are part of the park, giving visitors a chance to travel back to the 19th century. Courtney Anderson, National Park Service

ion National Park in Utah boasts some of the most scenic landscapes in the southwestern U.S. Within its 229 square miles are high plateaus, a maze of deep sandstone canyons and the gorgeous Virgin River. A winter sunset coloring the sky above this dramatic scene is an unforgettable experience. It’s no wonder that 4.5 million visitors explored this park last year. Robert Caton, www.sharetheexperience.org

15. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - 4,574,940: Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for water-based and backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the orange cliffs of southern Utah -- featuring scenic vistas, geologic wonders and a vast panorama of human history. Scott Reynolds, www.sharetheexperience.org

14. Castle Clinton National Monument - 4,737,113: Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, Castle Clinton National Monument stands where New York City began. The 207-year-old fort represents not only the city’s growth, but the growth of a nation. Initially intended to prevent a British invasion in 1812, the fortification has transformed over the years to welcome theatergoers, immigrants, sightseers, and now, millions of visitors to New York Harbor. National Park Service

13. Independence National Historical Park - 4,790,758: The events at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia helped define our nation at its founding. Visitors to Independence Hall can see the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written. Here you can walk in the footsteps and hear the echoes of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. The famous Liberty Bell is also on display here. No wonder so many people visit here every year. National Park Service

12. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - 4,859,573: Running 184 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers as much adventure as you can handle. Hiking and biking on the towpath is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. With so much history and nature to experience, you should get outside this week to enjoy the fall colors. Kathi Isserman, www.sharetheexperience.org).

11. World War II Memorial - 4,876,842: Between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the World War II Memorial honors a generation of people who united to fight for freedom and democracy. A powerful symbol honoring the people who sacrificed on the battlefront and the home front, the large outdoor memorial contains quotations and artwork that relate the immensity and importance of the Allied victory in the largest conflict in human history. Susan Crimmins, www.sharetheexperience.org

10. Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 5,072,589: Over 58,000 names are etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., in a moving tribute to those who died serving our country. It’s one of many memorials, cemeteries and battlefields across our country that help remind us of the extraordinary sacrifices made to keep us united and free. Thomas Kredo, www.sharetheexperience.org

9. Grand Canyon National Park – 6,254,238: Sun rays shine through clouds to light up the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It’s views like this that made it the 8th most visited national park in 2016. If you’re looking to explore the Grand Canyon with less crowds, the North Rim provides serenity and spectacular views. Even though the canyon is up to 18 miles wide, the drive from the South to North Rim is over 200 miles. Carla Farris, www.sharetheexperience.org

8. Natchez Trace Parkway – 6,326,062: One of the most scenic parkways in America, Natchez Trace Parkway runs 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Passing stunning landscapes and pausing at hidden cultural treasures, traveling the Trace is a pleasure by foot, bike and car. The parkway hosted more than 6 million visitors last year. Particularly beautiful in the spring and fall, we recommend visiting the Cypress Swamp for a little dose of spooky fun. National Park Service

7. George Washington Memorial Parkway – 7,562,793: Being stuck in D.C. traffic can be a painful experience, but a drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia is a delight. With outstanding views of the Potomac and plenty of hiking and biking trails, the park is a destination for both visitors and locals. Some popular stops near the parkway include the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial and Great Falls Park (pictured). Get to the falls early for a spectacular sunrise. Michael Leung, www.sharetheexperience.org

6. Lake Mead National Recreation Area – 7,882,339: Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established in 1964, making it the first national recreation area in the U.S. Located in Nevada and Arizona, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking and sightseeing with its contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons. Andrew Pernick, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

5. Lincoln Memorial – 7,956,117: At the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Memorial stands in tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. Modeled after the Parthenon in Greece (the birthplace of democracy), the Lincoln Memorial attracts visitors from all over the world -- over 7.9 million in 2017 -- to be inspired by Lincoln’s words and accomplishments. Lisa Locke, www.sharetheexperience.org

4. Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island, N.Y. – 9,190,610: Stretching across land and water south of New York City, Gateway National Recreation Area serves as a peaceful oasis within reach of America’s largest city. With recreational opportunities and cultural sites in Sandy Hook, New Jersey and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York, you’re sure to find something fun and interesting to experience. We recommend exploring Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for great birdwatching and even greater sunsets. Micael Fano, www.sharetheexperience.org

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 11,338,893: Sunrise from one of the most beautiful places on the east coast: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. This photo of the park’s rolling mountains as first light illuminated the gorgeous fall colors shows why over 11.3 million people visited Great Smoky Mountains last year. Chris Mobley, www.sharetheexperience.org

2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area – 14,981,897: Here’s a beautiful pic from the second most visited national park in 2017: Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located in San Francisco, Golden Gate is one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering visitors a chance to connect to nature and learn more about the area’s rich culture and history. Eric Dabreo, www.sharetheexperience.org

1. Blue Ridge Parkway – 16,093,765: Long-range vistas, rolling mountains and pastoral landscapes, Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s favorite drive, and we can definitely see why it was the most visited national park location in 2017. The parkway meanders for 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region so special. Philip Varney, www.sharetheexperience.org